The Power of Self-Efficacy: Key Points and Practices

              I’d like to recapitulate Bandura’s one interesting concept, “self-efficacy.” Bandura defined self-efficacy as “people’s beliefs in their capabilities to produce desired effects by their own actions” (as cited in Frager & Fadiman, 2002). In cognitive psychology, self-efficacy is regarded as a key factor in our behavior. If we have a strong self-efficacy, we are able to tackle difficulties, perceiving them as challenges in lieu of threats. Furthermore, “a sense of self-efficacy also enhances our physiological response to stress, including strengthening the immune system” (as cited in Frager & Fadiman, 2002). This is a very fascinating point, and self-efficacy contributes to both our mental and physical realms.
Five Key Points (Maddux, "Handbook of Positive Psychology)
1 Successful Performance.
2 Vicarious experiences of success.
3 Internal success images.
4 Verbal persuasion.
5 Physiological and emotional arousal.
Practical Methods (Bandura's model)
1 Provide people with success experiences by setting for them difficult but achievable goals.
2 Observe models performing successfully.
3 Supply verbal encouragement that the person can perform successfully.
4 Use diet, stress reduction, and exercise to control physiological arousal and thus increase stamina,strength, and relaxation under pressure.

Reference

1 Personality and Personal Growth (6th Edition)
2 Handbook of Positive Psychology